The Consumers Association of Pakistan (CAP) has called for the expansion of the Third Schedule to include mandatory printed retail prices on essential consumer goods, citing widespread price manipulation and lack of transparency in the retail market.
Speaking during a pre-budget consultation meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue held on May 7, 2026 at Parliament House, Islamabad, CAP Chairman Kaukab Iqbal raised concerns over the absence of printed prices on key household products, including cooking oil, ghee, dairy items, infant formula milk, and frozen foods.
He informed the committee, chaired by Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, that many of these products are currently not covered under the Third Schedule requirement for fixed printed retail pricing. As a result, consumers are often subjected to inconsistent and inflated pricing at retail outlets.
Kaukab Iqbal noted that this gap in regulation is leading to significant price discrepancies, with consumers reportedly facing sudden increases ranging between Rs. 600 to Rs. 1,800 on essential grocery items. He stressed that such fluctuations place a heavy financial burden on households and undermine consumer protection standards.
He urged the committee to recommend the inclusion of these essential goods under the Third Schedule to ensure mandatory price labeling, arguing that transparent pricing is critical for preventing overcharging and protecting consumer rights.
In response, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla acknowledged the concerns raised and advised CAP to submit a detailed list of products lacking printed retail prices, along with additional consumer grievances. He assured that the committee remains open to ongoing engagement with consumer advocacy groups throughout the year.
The Senate Finance Committee chairman further stated that the matter would be carefully reviewed, and appropriate measures would be considered to improve pricing transparency and safeguard consumers against unfair market practices.
